Absorbent article with belt having profiled elasticity

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to absorbent articles having a front belt and a rear belt, each comprising a central zone and first and second peripheral zones, the zones extending substantially in transverse direction of the absorbent article. The at least first belt provides improved fit in the low motion zone of a wearer while being able to adapt easily to the motion of the wearer outside the low motion zone.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/981,959, filed on May 17, 2018, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119 to Chinese Patent Application Serial No. CN2017/084805, filed onMay 18, 2017, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles providing sustaineddynamic fit about the wearer. The absorbent article comprises a frontand a rear belt. The front and rear belt each comprises elastic strandsextending along a transverse direction and being disposed between afirst and second belt layer. The front and rear belt each have a centralbelt zone and first and second peripheral belt zones.

BACKGROUND

Infants and other incontinent individuals wear absorbent articles toabsorb and contain urine and other body exudates. Absorbent articlesfunction both to contain the discharged materials and to isolate thesematerials from the body of the wearer and from the wearer's garments andbed clothing.

However, absorbent articles have a tendency to sag or gap away from andto slide/slip down on the body of the wearer during use. Thissagging/gapping and sliding/slipping is caused by the relative motionsof the wearer as the wearer breathes, moves and changes position, by thedownward forces generated when the absorbent article is loaded with bodyexudates, and by the deformation of the materials of the absorbentarticle itself when subjected to such wearer's motions. Thissagging/gapping and sliding/slipping of the absorbent article can leadto premature leakage and poor fit of the absorbent article about thewearer.

Conventional absorbent articles are typically designed to fit high onthe abdomen of the wearer and down on the thighs such that the articlefits in the zones of the wearer that are subject to dynamic motion (andthus dynamic forces) during use. These dynamic motions and forces,especially by the abdomen bulging and contracting, tend to deform thematerials making up the article and tend to push the article away fromthe body. Thus, the article tends to sag/gap away from the body. Theanchoring system of prior art articles is also typically designed toform a defined dimension of the waist and leg openings and a horizontalline of tension (imparts a tensile force along a line) about the wearerto secure the diaper on the wearer. However, the horizontal line oftension created by prior art articles cannot accommodate the changes inbody dimension caused by wearer movement such that the diaper tends toslide/slip down on the wearer when the dimension of the abdomen of thewearer changes. The prior art articles slide/slip down the abdomensetting below the belt at an area of smaller dimension which leads togapping at the waist and legs. Further, the absorbent core and otherstiff non-elastic elements of prior art articles disposed in the zonesof the abdomen or legs that undergo such dynamic forces are pusheddownward or inward by the dynamic forces resulting in furthergapping/sliding of the product on the wearer.

Absorbent articles are commonly available in taped and pant typearticles, as well as inserts. Typically, taped articles are packagedwithout being pre-closed, whereas pant articles are pre-closed. Pantarticles are often used for potty training, but not necessarily.Generally, pants tend to have higher forces just above the leg openingand at the waist to anchor the article to the wearer. These areas are,however, zones, where the anatomy of the wearer moves a lot as thewearer moves. Relatively High forces in these “high motion zone” thustend to result in red marking of the skin and restriction of freedom ofmovement.

Thus, it would be advantageous to provide an absorbent article thatprovides better fit, reduced leakage, and wearer comfort. It wouldfurther be advantageous to provide an absorbent article which hasreduced sagging and gapping as well as reduced overall sliding/slippingof the absorbent article on the wearer during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising alongitudinal and transverse dimension.

The absorbent article has a front waist region with a front waist edgeand a rear waist region with a rear waist edge. A crotch region extendsbetween the front and rear waist region.

The absorbent article comprises a center chassis, a front belt and arear belt.

The center chassis comprises a first transverse chassis end edge, asecond transverse chassis end edge, a first longitudinal chassis sideedge and a second longitudinal chassis side edge, a liquid permeabletopsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core disposedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet.

The front belt comprises a first front belt layer disposed on aninterior surface of the front belt, a second front belt layer disposedon an exterior surface of the front belt and elastic stands extendingsubstantially along transverse direction disposed between the first andsecond front belt layers.

The elastic strands of the front belt comprise a first plurality ofelastic stands which are attached to one or both of the first and secondfront belt layers at or adjacent the transversally opposing ends of thefirst plurality of elastic strands.

The elastic strands of the front belt further comprise a secondplurality of elastic strands that are attached to one or both of thefirst and second front belt layers along substantially the completelength of the elastic strands.

The rear belt comprises a first rear belt layer disposed on an interiorsurface of the rear belt, a second rear belt layer disposed on anexterior surface of the rear belt and elastic stands extendingsubstantially along transverse direction disposed between the first andsecond rear belt layers.

The elastic strands of the rear belt comprise a third plurality ofelastic stands that are attached to one or both of the first and secondrear belt layers at or adjacent the transversally opposing ends of thethird plurality of elastic strands.

The elastic strands of the rear belt further comprise a fourth pluralityof elastic strands that are attached to one or both of the first andsecond rear belt layers along substantially the complete length of theelastic strands.

The front belt may have a central front belt zone, a first peripheralfront belt zone longitudinally distal from the central front belt zonetowards the front waist edge and a second peripheral front belt zonelongitudinally proximal from the central front belt zone towards the legopening. The central zone may have a first transverse peak extensionforce, the first peripheral front belt zone may have a second transversepeak extension force, and the second peripheral front belt zone may havea third transverse peak extension force. The first transverse peakextension force may be greater than one or both of the second and thirdtransverse peak extension force.

The rear belt may have a central rear belt zone, a first peripheral rearbelt zone longitudinally distal from the central rear belt zone towardsthe rear waist edge and a second peripheral rear belt zonelongitudinally proximal from the central rear belt zone towards the legopening. The central rear belt zone may have a fourth transverse peakextension force, the first peripheral rear belt zone may have a fifthtransverse peak extension force, and the second peripheral rear beltzone may have a sixth transverse peak extension force. The fourthtransverse peak extension force may be greater than one or both of thefifth and sixth transverse peak extension force.

The central front belt zone may be provided at a second distancelongitudinally offset from the front waist edge, and the central rearbelt zone may be provided at a first distance longitudinally offset fromthe rear waist edge, wherein the second distance may be greater than thefirst distance.

The neighboring elastic strands of all pluralities of elastic strands ofthe absorbent article may be spaced apart from each other in thelongitudinal direction of the absorbent article to form a gap of from 2to 15 mm.

The first and second front belt layers and the first and second rearbelt layers of the absorbent article may comprise apertures.

The front belt may comprise a first and a second peripheral front beltzone and a central front belt zone, and the first and second peripheralfront belt zones may comprise more elastic strands of the firstplurality of elastic strands than elastic strands of the secondplurality of elastic strands, and the central front belt zone maycomprise more elastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strandsthan elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands. The rearbelt may comprise a first and a second peripheral rear belt zone and acentral rear belt zone; and the first and second peripheral rear beltzones may comprise more elastic strands of the third plurality ofelastic strands than elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elasticstrands, and the central rear belt zone may comprise more elasticstrands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands than elastic strandsof the third plurality of elastic strands.

The front belt of the absorbent article may comprise elastic strands ofthe first plurality of elastic strands which alternate with elasticstrands of the second plurality of elastic strands. The rear belt maycomprise elastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands whichalternate with elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elasticstrands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary absorbent article of thepresent disclosure with permanent side seams, disposed as it would bearound a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article of the presentdisclosure, laid out flat.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a pairs of a first and second beltattached to each other by a side seam plan.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another exemplary absorbent article of thepresent disclosure, laid out flat.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of still another exemplary absorbent article ofthe present disclosure, laid out flat.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a parts of a first and second beltattached to each other by a side seam plan.

FIG. 7A is a front coronal view of the body of a wearer showing certainanatomical features and the location of the low motion zone.

FIG. 7B is a back coronal view of the body of a wearer showing certainanatomical features and the location of the low motion zone.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the body of a wearer showing the angle of theprimary line of tension which can be created by an absorbent article ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example package of a plurality of the absorbentarticles (taped or pant) of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an example of a hanger-type sample holdingfixture according to “Whole Article Force Measurement”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specifiedthereafter:

As used herein, “absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb andcontain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices thatare placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorband contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbentarticles may include diapers (baby diapers and diapers for adultincontinence), pants (for babies or for adults), absorbent inserts(which are intended to be inserted into an outer cover to form a diaperor pant), feminine care absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins orpantiliners, and the like. As used herein, the term “exudates” includes,but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal discharges, sweat and fecalmatter. Preferred absorbent articles of the present disclosure aredisposable absorbent articles, more preferably disposable diapers anddisposable pants.

As used herein, “disposable” is used in its ordinary sense to mean anarticle that is disposed or discarded after a limited number of usageover varying lengths of time, for example, less than 20 usages, lessthan 10 usages, less than 5 usages, or less than 2 usages. If thedisposable absorbent article is a diaper, a pant, sanitary napkin,sanitary pad or wet wipe for personal hygiene use, the disposableabsorbent article is most often intended to be disposed after singleuse.

“Non-extensible” as used herein refers to a material which, uponapplication of a force, elongates beyond its original length by lessthan 30% if subjected to the following test: A rectangular piece of thematerial having a width of 2.54 cm and a length of 25.4 cm is maintainedin a vertical position by holding the piece along its upper 2.54 cm wideedge along its complete width. A force of 10 N is applied onto theopposite lower edge along the complete width of the material for 1minute (at 25° C. and 50% rel. humidity; samples should bepreconditioned at these temperature and humidity conditions for 2 hoursprior to testing). Immediately after one minute, the length of the pieceis measured while the force is still applied and the degree ofelongation is calculated by subtracting the initial length (25.4 cm)from the length measured after one minute.

If a material elongates beyond its original length by more than 30% ifsubjected to the above described test, it is “extensible” as usedherein.

“Highly non-extensible” as used herein refers to a material, which, uponapplication of a force, elongates beyond its original length by lessthan 15% if subjected to the test described above for “non-extensible”material.

“Non-elastic” as used herein refers to a material which does not recoverby more than 20% if subjected to the following test, which is to becarried out immediately subsequent to the test on “non-extensibility”set out above.

Immediately after the length of the rectangular piece of material hasbeen measured while the 10N force is still applied, the force is removedand the piece is laid down flat on a table for 5 minutes (at 25° C. and50% rel. humidity) to be able to recover Immediately after 5 minutes,the length of the piece is measured again and the degree of elongationis calculated by subtracting the initial length (25.4 cm) from thelength after 5 minutes.

The elongation after one minute while the force has been applied (asmeasured with respect to “non-extensibility”) is compared to theelongation after the piece has been laid down flat on a table for 5minutes: If the elongation does not recover by more than 20%, thematerial is considered to be “non-elastic”.

If a material recovers by more than 20%, the material is considered“elastic” as used herein.

“Highly non-elastic” as used herein refers to a material, which iseither “non-extensible” or which does not recover by more than 10% ifsubjected to the test set out above for “non-elastic”.

With regard to the front and rear belt of the present disclosure and therespective materials comprised by these belts, extensible,non-extensible, highly non-extensible, elastic, non-elastic and highlynon-elastic relate to the dimension of the material, which, once thematerial has been incorporated into the absorbent article, is parallelto the transverse centerline of the absorbent article. Hence, the samplelength of 25.4 cm for carrying out the tests described above correspondsto the transverse direction of the front and rear belt (and respectivematerials comprised) once the belts have been incorporated into theabsorbent article.

As used herein, the term “comprises” is an open ended term which meansthat other features, components, items or steps can be added. The term“comprises” as used herein includes the terms “essentially consistingof” and “consist of”. “Consist of” denotes that only the features,components or steps following the term “consist of” are included with nofurther features, components, items or steps.

As used herein, “diaper” and “pant” refers to an absorbent articlegenerally worn by babies, infants and incontinent persons about thelower torso so as to encircle the waist and legs of the wearer and thatis specifically adapted to receive and contain urinary and fecal waste.In a pant, as used herein, the longitudinal edges of the first andsecond waist region are attached to each other to a pre-form waistopening and leg openings. A pant is placed in position on the wearer byinserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pantabsorbent article into position about the wearer's lower torso. A pantmay be pre-formed by any suitable technique including, but not limitedto, joining together portions of the absorbent article usingrefastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive,cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere alongthe circumference of the article (e.g., side fastened, front waistfastened). In a diaper, the waist opening and leg openings are onlyformed when the diaper is applied onto a wearer by (releasable)attaching the longitudinal edges of the first and second waist region toeach other on both sides by a suitable fastening system.

“Longitudinal” means a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to a longitudinally opposing waist edge of anabsorbent article when the article is in a flat out, uncontracted state.

“Transverse” refers to a direction running from a longitudinallyextending side edge to a transversally opposing longitudinally extendingside edge of an absorbent article and generally at a right angle to thelongitudinal direction.

“Proximal” and “Distal” refer respectively to the location of an elementrelatively near to or far from the longitudinal or transversalcenterline of an absorbent article (e.g., the proximal edge of alongitudinally extending element is located nearer to the longitudinalcenterline than the distal edge of the same element is located relativeto the same longitudinal centerline).

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

Absorbent Article

An absorbent article 20 as disclosed herein has a longitudinalcenterline 100 with a longitudinal dimension and a transverse centerline110 with a transverse dimension. The article has a front waist region 36with a front waist edge 31 and a rear waist region 38 with a rear waistedge 32. A crotch region 37 is disposed between and connecting the frontand rear waist region. The front and rear waist edges 31 and 32 togetherform a waist opening to encircle the waist of the wearer when thearticle applied on a wearer. The absorbent article further comprises apair of leg openings when the article is applied on a wearer to encirclethe legs of the wearer.

The absorbent article 20 comprises a center chassis 22. The centerchassis 22 comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet 26, a liquidpermeable topsheet 24, and an absorbent core disposed between thebacksheet and topsheet. The center chassis 22 has first transversechassis edge 14 and second transverse chassis edge 15, a firstlongitudinal chassis side edge 12 and a second longitudinal chassis sideedge 13. The first transverse edge 14 may be disposed in the rear waistregion 38 and the second transverse edge 15 may be disposed in the frontwaist region 36.

The absorbent article 20 further comprises a front belt 60 and a rearbelt 40. The front belt 60 may comprise first and second longitudinalfront belt side edges 86 and 87, and the rear belt 38 may comprise firstand second longitudinal rear belt side edges 55, 56. The front belt 60may comprise first and second transverse front belt end edges 67 and 70,and the rear belt 40 may comprise first and second transverse rear beltend edges 47 and 50.

The center chassis 22 may be attached to the front belt 60, for exampleby joining the center chassis 22 at or adjacent to its second transversechassis edge 15 to the front belt 60. The center chassis 22 may also beattached to the rear belt 40, for example by joining the center chassis22 at or adjacent to its first transverse chassis edge 14 to the rearbelt 40. The center chassis 22 may, for example, be joined to thebody-facing surface of the first rear belt layer 41 and may be joined tothe body-facing surface of the first front belt layer 61.

The center chassis 22 may be attached to the front and rear belt 60 and40 by any means known in the art, such as by adhesive, ultrasonicbonding, pressure bonding, thermal bonding, or combinations thereof.

The center chassis 22 may extend through the crotch region 37 of theabsorbent article into the front and rear waist region 36 and 38. Thelongitudinal dimension of the center chassis 22 may be the same as thelongitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20 such that the firsttransverse edge 14 of the center chassis 22 coincides with the rearwaist edge 32 of the absorbent article 20 and the second transverse edge15 of the center chassis 22 coincides with the front waist edge 31 ofthe absorbent article 20. Alternatively, the center chassis 22 may havea longitudinal dimension which is shorter than the longitudinaldimension of the absorbent article 20, such that the first transversechassis edge 14 is transversely offset from the rear waist edge 32 ofthe absorbent article 20 and the second transverse chassis edge 15 istransversely offset from the front waist edge 31 of the absorbentarticle 20. In still another alternative, the center chassis 22 may havea longitudinal dimension shorter than the longitudinal dimension of theabsorbent article 20, such that the first transverse chassis edge 14 istransversely offset from the rear waist edge 32 of the absorbent article20 while the second transverse chassis edge 15 coincides with the frontwaist edge 31 of the absorbent article 20. In yet another alternative,the center chassis 22 may have a longitudinal dimension shorter than thelongitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20, such that the firsttransverse chassis edge 14 coincides with the rear waist edge 32 of theabsorbent article 20 and the second transverse chassis edge 15 istransversely offset from the front waist edge 31 of the absorbentarticle 20 (it is, however, desirable that it is transversely offsetfrom the rear waist edge 32).

Generally, if the center chassis 20 is longitudinally offset from thefront and/or rear waist edge 32, 31 of the absorbent article 20, theoffset in the front and/or rear waist edge may be from 3 to 30% of theoverall longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20, or from 5 to25% of the overall longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article.

In preferred embodiments, the center chassis 22 is longitudinally offsetfrom the front waist edge 31 of the absorbent article 20 less than it isoffset from the rear waist edge 32 of the absorbent article 20. Theratio of the rear offset to the front offset may be from 1.1 to 5,preferably from 1.5 to 3. The offset ensures that the center chassis 22resides predominantly within the low motion zone of the wearer (seebelow for more details). This is relevant as the center chassis 22 maybe made of non-extensible or highly non-extensible materials. (Notablyhere, in deviation from the test methods set out above, for the use ofthe term “non-extensible” and highly non-extensible” in relation to thecenter chassis, the direction of extensibility is determined in thelongitudinal direction. Hence, the sample length of 25.4 cm for carryingout the tests described above corresponds to the longitudinal directionof the materials as they then get incorporated into the center chassis.)

FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 are plan views of an exemplary, non-limitingembodiments of absorbent articles 20 of the present disclosure in aflat, uncontracted state (i.e., without elastic induced contraction).The body-facing surface of the absorbent article 20 is facing theviewer. The absorbent article 20 includes a longitudinal centerline 100and a transverse centerline 110. The absorbent article 20 comprises acenter chassis 22, a front belt 60 and a rear belt 40. The absorbentarticle 20 has a front waist region 36, a rear waist region 38 opposedto the front waist region 36, and a crotch region 37 located between thefront waist region 36 and the rear waist region 38. The waist regions 36and 38 generally comprise those portions of the absorbent article 20which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. The waist regions 36and 38 include elastic strands 200 such that they gather about the waistof the wearer to provide improved fit and containment. The crotch region37 is that portion of the absorbent article 20 which, when the absorbentarticle 20 is worn, is generally positioned between the legs of thewearer.

Center Chassis

The absorbent article 20 comprises a center chassis 22. The centerchassis 22 comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet 26, a liquidpermeable topsheet 24, and an absorbent core (not shown) disposedbetween the backsheet and topsheet. The center chassis 22 has firsttransverse chassis edge 14 and second transverse chassis edge 15, afirst longitudinal chassis side edge 12 and a second longitudinalchassis side edge 13. The first transverse chassis edge 14 may bedisposed in the rear waist region 38 and the second transverse chassisedge 15 may be disposed in the front waist region 36.

The opposing first and second longitudinal chassis side edges 12 and 13may be oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 100 ofthe absorbent article 20. However, for better fit, first and secondlongitudinal chassis side edges 12 and 13 may be curved or angled toproduce, for example, an “hourglass” shaped absorbent article whenviewed in a plan view. The opposing first and second transverse chassisedges 14 and 15 may be straight and oriented generally parallel to thetransverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article 20.

The center chassis 22 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a liquidimpermeable backsheet 26, and an absorbent core between the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26. The absorbent core has a body-facing surface and agarment-facing-surface. The topsheet 24 may be joined to the absorbentcore and/or the backsheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to theabsorbent core and/or the topsheet 24. The center chassis may have otherstructures, elements, or substrates positioned between the absorbentcore and the topsheet 24 and/or backsheet 26, such as a fluidacquisition system disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet24. While the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core maybe assembled in a variety of well-known configurations, suitableconfigurations are described generally in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003;5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234; 5,580,411; and 6,004,306.

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 20 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer when the absorbent article is worn. Suitable topsheets 24 may bemanufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams;reticulated foams; apertured plastic films; or woven or nonwoven webs ofnatural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g.,polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural andsynthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 is generally supple, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to a wearer's skin. Generally, at least a portion of thetopsheet 24 is liquid pervious, permitting liquid to readily penetratethrough the thickness of the topsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful hereinis available from BBA Fiberweb, Brentwood, TN. as supplier code055SLPV09U.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions includethose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; and5,643,588. The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or maybe foreshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24and the absorbent core 28. Suitable structures including elasticized orforeshortened topsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,892,536; 4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

The absorbent core may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbentmaterials commonly used in disposable diapers, pants and other absorbentarticles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminutedwood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt, creped cellulosewadding, melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened,modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissuewraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;superabsorbent polymers (SAPs); or any other known absorbent material orcombinations of materials. The absorbent materials may be contained byone or more core wrap layers, which may include a core cover 95 a (toplayer facing towards the body) and a dusting layer (bottom layer facingtowards the garment). The core wrap layers may be nonwoven webs. Atleast a portion, or all of, the absorbent core may be substantiallycellulose free and contains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers,less than 5% cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no morethan an immaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers.It should be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic materialdoes not materially affect the thinness, flexibility, and absorbency ofthe portion of the absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free.Among other benefits, it is believed that when at least a portion of theabsorbent core is substantially cellulose free, this portion of theabsorbent core is significantly thinner and more flexible than a similarabsorbent core that includes more than 10% by weight of cellulosicfibers. The amount of SAP in particulate form in the absorbent core mayvary, and may be greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core,or greater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greaterthan about 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about95% by weight of the core (the core wrap layers, if present, areexcluded when calculating the percentage). The absorbent core 28 maycomprise adhesive for example to help immobilizing the SAP within thecore wrap layers and/or to ensure integrity of the core wrap layers.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231;5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316; and5,625,222.

The liquid impermeable backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that itmay form at least a portion of the garment-facing surface of theabsorbent article 20. Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent theexudates absorbed by and contained within the absorbent article 20 fromsoiling articles that may contact the absorbent article 20, such as bedsheets and undergarments. Suitable backsheet 26 materials include filmssuch as those manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute,IN and sold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Othersuitable backsheet 26 materials may include breathable materials thatpermit vapors to escape from the absorbent article 20 while stillpreventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplarybreathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwovenwebs, composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, andmicroporous films such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japanunder the designation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City,TX, under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable compositematerials comprising polymer blends are available from ClopayCorporation, Cincinnati, OH under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Suchbreathable composite materials are described in greater detail in PCTApplication No. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Otherbreathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed filmsare described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096. A suitable backsheet isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/ormanufacturing techniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26including, but not limited to, surface treatments, particular filmselections and processing, particular filament selections andprocessing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover layer and an inner layer. The outer coverlayer may be made of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may bea film material. The backsheet 26 may comprise a graphic patch layer. Atleast one of the layers may comprise a single color or multi-colorprints on one or more of the surfaces. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film. The outer cover and an innerlayer may be joined together by adhesive or any other suitable materialor method. A particularly suitable outer cover is available from CorovinGmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0, and a particularlysuitable inner layer is available from RKW Gronau GmbH, Gronau, Germanyas supplier code PGBR4WPR.

The absorbent article 20 may include a leg gasketing system 120. The leggasketing system 120 may comprise an inner leg cuff which may comprisean inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge. The leggasketing system 120 may further comprise an outer cuff which maycomprise an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge. Theleg gasketing system may be a component of the center chassis.

The leg gasketing system 120 may comprise only the inner leg cuff.

The inner and outer leg cuffs may be formed by films and/or nonwovensand may be joined using adhesives. In one embodiment, the leg gasketingsystem 120 comprises one web of material. In another embodiment, atleast part of the leg gasketing system 120 may be formed with a separateweb material, a part of the topsheet 24 and/or part of the backsheet 26.

The outer leg cuff may comprise elastic members 121 positioned in atransversal array between the outer cuff folded edge and outer cuffmaterial edge; the outer leg cuff optionally comprises at least twoelastic members 121, at least three elastic member 121, but may comprisenot more than five elastic members 121. In one embodiment, the elasticmembers 121 may be disposed between the outer cuff folded edge and theinner cuff material edge.

The leg gasketing system 120 may have an inner leg cuff comprised of aninner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and between oneand four elastic members 122. The leg gasketing system 120 may furthercomprise an outer cuff comprising an outer cuff folded edge and an outercuff material edge.

Low Motion Zone

FIGS. 7A and 7B show front and rear views of a wearer showing where thelow motion zone of the wearer is located. The shaded zones in thedrawings delineate the low motion zone. As defined by the anatomy of thewearer, the “low motion zone” is defined to mean the zone or area of thebody, which despite dynamic movements remains substantially undeformedor undergoes very little motion. As shown in FIG. 7A, the low motionzone is bounded by the arcuate line in the hypo gastric abdominal regionconnecting each anterior superior iliac spine, “S”, through the creaseor fold created by the rectus abdominus muscle, hereinafter theabdominal crease, “T.” The abdominal crease is typically the fold orflexton crease of skin or muscle created by the abdomen when the wearergoes into a sitting position. The low motion zone is bounded on eachtransversal side by an arcuate line connecting the anterior superioriliac spine through the perineum along the inguinal ligament under thegluteus maximus (along the gluteal fold) to about the posterior inferioriliac spine, hereinafter the leg crease, “L”. As shown in FIG. 7B, thelow motion zone is bounded on the posterior of the wearer by the lineconnecting the posterior inferior iliac spine over the gluteous maximusand along the lumbar curve of the back, “R” (the small of the back). Forpurposes of the present disclosure, the low motion zone also includesthe zone or area of the gluteous maximus (although not shaded in FIG.7B) despite the fact that the gluteous maximus undergoes some dynamicmotion since the forces generated in this zone caused by the wearer'smovements tend to push the article upward over the buttocks into thelumbar curve to enhance the fit of the article rather than degrade suchfit.

The front and rear belt of the absorbent article of the presentdisclosure can provide the article with an “anchoring system” foranchoring the article about the wearer throughout the absorbentarticle's use so the absorbent article has a reduced likelihood tosag/gap and slide/slip during use. The anchoring system provides a lineor lines (zone) of tension (hereinafter, the primary line of tension)substantially about the perimeter of the low motion zone that impartsanchoring forces to maintain the position of the absorbent articlethroughout wearing. As shown in FIG. 7C, the primary line of tension isdisposed at an angle, α, to the horizontal on the body of the wearer (anangle to the transverse direction of the absorbent article) such thatthe primary line of tension extends from around the lumbar curve of theback (the “small of the back”) over the iliac crest of the hips to theabdominal crease. Thus, the primary line of tension is disposed in thezone of minimal changing body dimension (i.e., the primary line oftension is not disposed over the abdomen or the gluteous maximus whichincrease and decrease in dimension during movement), such that theprimary line of tension stabilizes and maintains anchoring forces whichmaintain the position of the absorbent article on the wearer such thatthe absorbent article is unlikely to slide or slip downward during usedue to the movements of the wearer or to the force of the increasedweight of the absorbent article when it is loaded. The angled primaryline of tension created by the anchoring system also imparts an upwardanchoring force on the absorbent article tending to pull the absorbentarticle up on the body, and thus counteract the weight force of theloaded article, since the primary line of tension has a vector componentin the longitudinal direction. The normal anchoring forces created bythe primary line of tension (another vector component of the angledprimary line of tension) anchor the absorbent article in the low motionzone since the normal anchoring forces act compressively to bring thearticle and body into intimate contact. These normal anchoring forcesthus assist in maintaining the fit of the absorbent article as well asreducing leakage since the article and especially the absorbent core ismaintained in a substantially fixed position and in close relationshipwith the body. The angled primary line of tension also tends to reducered-marking of the skin, since the anchoring forces are disposed in thelow motion zone such that the body dimension is not increasing ordecreasing along the primary line of tension which could cause redmarking.

The front and rear belt 60 and 40 of the absorbent article of thepresent disclosure can place higher stress in the low motion zone(corresponding to the central front belt zone and central rear beltzone), between the leg opening area and the waist opening area comparedto the areas of the front and rear belt which are outside the low motionzone (corresponding to the first and second peripheral front belt zone63 and 65 and the first and second peripheral rear belt zone 43 and 45).Thereby, an absorbent article is provided with sustained within theperimeter of the low motion zone of the wearer and which providesexpansion of the absorbent article at those portions not fitting withinthe low motion zone.

Front and Rear Belts

The absorbent article 20 of the present disclosure comprises a frontbelt 60 and a rear belt 60. The front belt 60 is provided in the frontwaist region 36. The front belt 60 may form the front waist edge 31 ofthe absorbent article 20, either alone or in combination with e.g. thesecond transverse chassis edge 15. The rear belt 40 is provided in therear waist region 38. The rear belt 40 may form the rear waist edge 32of the absorbent article 20, either alone or combination with e.g. thefirst transverse chassis edge 14.

The front belt 60 comprises a first front belt layer 61 disposed on aninterior (i.e. body-facing) surface of the front belt 60, and a secondfront belt layer 62 disposed on an exterior (i.e. garment-facing)surface of the front belt 60.

The rear belt 40 comprises a first rear belt layer 41 disposed on aninterior (i.e. body-facing) surface of the rear belt, and a second rearbelt layer 42 disposed on an exterior (i.e. garment-facing) surface ofthe rear belt.

The front and rear belt 60 and 40 each further comprise elastic strands200 extending substantially along the transverse direction of theabsorbent article 20. The elastic strands 200 of the front belt 60 aredisposed between the first and second front belt layer 61 and 62. Theelastic strands 200 of the rear belt 40 are disposed between the firstand second rear belt layer 41 and 42.

The transverse direction extends parallel to the transverse centerline110 of the absorbent article 20. As used herein, elastic strandsextending “substantially” along the transverse direction includedeviations from the transverse direction where the elastic strandsextend at an angle of up to 30°, or up to 20°, or up to 15°, or up to10°, or up to 5° from the transverse centerline. Substantially along thetransverse direction also includes parallel to the transverse direction(with no deviation).

The elastic strands extending substantially along the transversedirection may extend straight, i.e. they extend along a straight line.Alternatively, the elastic strands extending substantially along thetransverse direction may be curved such that they at least twiceintersect a line that is parallel or angled (up to 30°, or up to 20°, orup to 15°, or up to 10°, or up to 5°) to the transverse centerline ofthe absorbent article.

The elastic strands 200 may also be provided as a combination of theabove executions such that, for example, some of the elastic strandsextend straight and parallel to the transverse centerline while othersextend curved and at an angle to the transverse centerline.

The determination whether the elastic strands 200 extend substantiallyalong the transverse direction is made while the respective belt layersare flat and straightened out with the elastic strands being in astretched state.

The first front belt layer 61 and the second front belt layer 62 mayeach be made of one continuous sheet of material (which may be a singlelayer material or a laminate). Alternatively, the first and second frontbelt layer 61 and 62 may each be made of more than one sheet of materialwhich are joined to each other along portions of their perimeter to formthe first and the second front belt layer, respectively. The first andsecond front belt layer 61 and 62 may also be formed by folding over acontinuous sheet of material (which may be a single layer material or alaminate) at the front waist edge 31. Also, a continuous sheet ofmaterial (which may be a single layer material or a laminate) may befolded over at the front waist edge 31 and forming the complete secondfront belt layer 62 and portions of the first front belt layer 61,wherein the one or more other continuous sheet(s) of material (which mayeach be a single layer material or a laminate) is joined to the portionof the first front belt layer that is continuous with the second frontbelt layer and formed by being folded over.

Likewise, the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42 may each bemade of one continuous sheet of material (which may be a single layermaterial or a laminate). Alternatively, the first and second rear beltlayer 41 and 42 may each be made of more than one sheet of materialwhich are joined to each other along portions of their perimeter to formthe first and the second rear belt layer 41 and 42, respectively. Thefirst and second rear belt layer 41 and 42 may also be formed by foldingover a continuous sheet of material (which may be a single layermaterial or a laminate) at the rear waist edge 32. Also, a continuoussheet of material (which may be a single layer material or a laminate)may be folded over at the rear waist edge 32 and forming the completesecond rear belt layer 42 and portions of the first rear belt layer 41,wherein the one or more other continuous sheet(s) of material (which mayeach be a single layer material or a laminate) is joined to the portionof the first rear belt layer that is continuous with the second rearbelt layer and formed by being folded over.

The rear belt 40 may have a greater longitudinal dimension than thefront belt 60, as the rear belt 40 is intended to cover the buttocks ofthe wearer.

Belt Layers

The first and second front belt layer 61 and 62 and the first and secondrear belt layer 41 and 42 may be non-extensible, non-elastic, or highlynon-elastic. They may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric films, apertured polymeric films, sponges, foams,scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof.

Nonwoven webs used to form the belt layers 41, 42, 61 and 62 can beformed by direct extrusion processes during which the fibers and websare formed at about the same point in time, or by preformed fibers whichcan be laid into webs at a distinctly subsequent point in time. Exampledirect extrusion processes include but are not limited to: spunbonding,spunlaid, meltblowing, solvent spinning, electrospinning, carded, filmfibrillated, melt-film fibrillated, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid staplefibers, and combinations thereof typically forming layers.

Example “laying” processes include wetlaying and drylaying. Exampledrylaying processes include but are not limited to airlaying, carding,and combinations thereof. Example combinations include but are notlimited to spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), spunbond-carded (SC),spunbond-airlaid (SA), meltblown-airlaid (MA), and combinations thereof,typically in layers. The fibers in a nonwoven web are typically joinedto one or more adjacent fibers at some of the overlapping junctions.This includes joining fibers within each layer and joining fibersbetween layers when there is more than one layer. Fibers can be joinedby mechanical entanglement (such as pressure bonding, thermal bonding,by chemical bonding, or by combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, nonwoven fabric can be electrospun nonwoven webs,flashspun nonwoven webs (e.g., Tyvek™ by DuPont), or combinationsthereof.

The nonwoven webs used for the first and second front belt layer and forthe first and second rear belt layer can be made of polyolefin fibers,such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE); blends of PP and PE,polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, rayon, cellulose, copolymersthereof, or blends or mixtures thereof. The nonwoven webs of the beltlayers may also be made of poly-lactic acid (PLA), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and/or blends or mixtures thereof.

The nonwoven webs used for the first and second front belt layer 61 and62 and for the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42 can alsocomprise of fibers that are homogenous structures i.e. the fibers aremonocomponent fibers; or comprise bicomponent fibers, which may havesheath/core, side-by-side, islands-in-the-sea, and other bicomponentconfigurations.

For nonwoven webs used as belt layers and made of bicomponent ormulti-component fibers, one of the components of the fibers, preferablythe outer component, may be a soft polymer, such as polyethylene orelastic polyolefin, elastic polyurethane. For example, in a sheath/corebicomponent fiber, the sheath can be made of polyethylene while the corecan be made of polypropylene. Often, the individual components comprisepolyolefins such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or their copolymers,polyesters, thermoplastic polysaccharides or other biopolymers. In someembodiments, a nonwoven may be a PE/PET (polyethylene/polyethyleneterephthalate) core/sheath bicomponent material, wherein the core is thePET and the outer sheath is PE.

The nonwoven webs of the belt layers may include as additives ormodifiers, components such as aliphatic polyesters, thermoplasticpolysaccharides, or other biopolymers.

One or both of the first and second front belt layers 61 and 62 and/orone or both of the first and second rear belt layers 41 and 42 may beapertured. Using a nonwoven web that has been apertured in the mannerdescribed below to form one or both of the first and second front beltlayer and/or one or both of the first and second rear belt layer canprovide attractive and interesting effects. The apertures and thematerial surrounding them interact with the contraction-inducedrugosities in the front and rear belt as the belt is moved and stretchedas, for example, during wear. Apertures in the respective belt layerwill open, close, change shape and shift relative the second (or fourth)belt layer, providing a visual impression of complexity, depth and addedtexture.

Additionally, the pattern of the apertures may be substantially similaror identical to the pattern of the pre-bonds in the nonwoven web (ifpresent), in one or more of machine-direction spacing, cross-directionspacing, aperture shape and aperture size. For example, a pattern ofpre-bonds may have substantially similar machine and cross directionspacing as the pattern of apertures. Using respective patterns ofpre-bonds and apertures that are substantially similar in one or morerespects noted can help give the material a more uniform, orderly and/orcoherent appearance, and may also help enhance tensile strength ascompared with a web in which respective patterns of pre-bonds andapertures do not have such similarities.

Elastic Strands

The elastic strands 200 used for the front and rear belt 60 and 40 mayhave a variety of cross sectional shapes, including but not limited to acircle, oval, triangle or square, and may be formed of a variety ofmaterials for example natural rubber and/or lycra. The materials mayalso comprise a variety of cross sectional areas also known as Dtex ordenier.

The elastic strands 200 of the front belt 60 comprise a first pluralityof elastic strands 66 and a second plurality of elastic strands 68. Theelastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66 areattached to one or both of the first and second front belt layer 61 and62 (only) at or adjacent the transversally their respective opposingends. The elastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68are attached to one or both of the first and second front belt layerssubstantially along their complete length.

Likewise, the elastic strands of the rear belt 40 comprise a thirdplurality of elastic strands 46 and a fourth plurality of elasticstrands 68. The elastic strands of the third plurality of elasticstrands 46 are attached to one or both of the first and second rear beltlayer 41 and 42 (only) at or adjacent the transversally their respectiveopposing ends. The elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elasticstrands 48 are attached to one or both of the first and second rear beltlayers 41 and 42 substantially along their complete length.

Belt with Zones

The front belt 60 of the absorbent article 20 of the present disclosuremay have a central front belt zone 64 and a first and second peripheralfront belt zone 63 and 65. The central front belt zone 64 and the firstand second peripheral front belt zones 63 and 65 may each extendsubstantially across the complete transverse direction of the front belt60 from the first longitudinal front belt side edge 86 to the secondlongitudinal front belt side edge 87. The first peripheral front beltzone 63 may be provided longitudinally distal from the central frontbelt zone 64 (i.e. further away from the transverse centerline 110 ofthe absorbent article 20 than the central front belt zone 64) towardsthe front waist edge 31 and the second peripheral front belt zone 65 maybe provided longitudinally proximal from the central front belt zone 64(i.e. closer to the transverse centerline 110 than the central frontbelt zone 64) towards the leg openings. The first peripheral front beltzone 63 may comprise the front waist edge 31 of the absorbent article20. The second peripheral front belt zone 65 may comprise those portionsof the leg openings, which are formed by the front belt 60.

The rear belt 40 of the absorbent article 20 of the present disclosuremay have a central rear belt zone 44 and a first and second peripheralrear belt zone 43 and 45. The central rear belt zone 44 and the firstand second peripheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 may extend substantiallyacross the complete transverse direction of the rear belt 40 from thefirst longitudinal rear belt side edge 55 to the second longitudinalrear belt side edge 56. The first peripheral rear belt zone 43 may beprovided longitudinally distal from the central rear belt zone 44 (i.e.further away from the transverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article20 than the central rear belt zone 44) towards the rear waist edge 32and the second peripheral rear belt zone 45 may be providedlongitudinally proximal from the central rear belt zone 44 (i.e. closerto the transverse centerline 110 than the central rear belt zone 44)towards the leg openings. The first peripheral rear belt zone 43 maycomprise the rear waist edge 32 of the absorbent article 20. The secondperipheral rear belt zone 45 may comprise those portions of the legopenings, which are formed by the rear belt 40.

The central front belt zone 64 may be provided at a second distance L2longitudinal offset (i.e. closer to the transverse centerline 110 of theabsorbent article) from the front waist edge 31 and the central rearbelt zone 44 may be provided at a first distance L1 longitudinallyoffset (i.e. closer to the transverse centerline of the absorbentarticle) from the rear waist edge 32. The second L2 distance may begreater than the first distance L1. The ratio of the second distance L2to the first distance L1 may be from 1.05 to 4, preferably 1.5 to 3. Thesecond distance L2 is measured from the front waist edge 31 to theborderline between the first peripheral front belt zone 63 and thecentral front belt zone 64. The first distance L1 is measured from therear waist edge 32 to the borderline between the first peripheral rearbelt zone 43 and the central rear belt zone 44.

The front and rear waist edges 31 and 32 may be straight and extendparallel to the transverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article 20.Likewise, the borderline between the first peripheral front belt zone 63and the central front belt zone 64 and the borderline between thecentral front belt zone 64 and the second peripheral front belt zone 65may be straight and parallel to the transverse centerline 110, and theborderline between the first peripheral rear belt zone 43 and thecentral rear belt zone 44 and the borderline between the central rearbelt zone 44 and the second peripheral rear belt zone 45 may be straightand parallel to the transverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article20. The determination whether the front and rear waist edges 31 and 32and the borderlines between the respective belt zones are straight ismade while the respective belt layers are flat and straightened out withthe elastic strands being in a stretched state.

The central front belt zone 64, the first and second peripheral frontbelt zones 63 and 65 may each constitute ⅓ of the longitudinal frontbelt dimension. The central rear belt zone 44 and the first and secondperipheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 may each constitute ⅓ of thelongitudinal rear belt dimension. The central front belt zone 64, thefirst and second peripheral front belt zones 63 and 65, the central rearbelt zone 44 and the first and second peripheral rear belt zones 43 and45 may each have a transverse peak extension force. The transverse peakextension force of the first and second peripheral front belt zones 63and 65 may be lower than the peak extension force of the central frontbelt zone 64. The transverse peak extension force of the first andsecond peripheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 may be lower than the peakextensions force of central rear belt zone 44.

Thereby, the central front belt zone 64 and the central rear belt zone44 can be configured to provide sustained fit within the low motion zoneof a wearer while the first and second peripheral front belt zones 63and 65 and the first and second peripheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 canbe provided outside the low motion zone with lower stress outside thelow motion zone to increase wearer comfort and reduced red-marking ofthe skin.

The elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66 as wellas the elastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands 46 areattached to one or both of the first and second front belt layer 61 and62, or to one or both of the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42,respectively, at or adjacent the transversally opposing ends of therespective elastic strand.

The elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66 may notbe attached to the first and second front belt layer 61 and 62 in anyother location apart from the location at or adjacent to theirtransversally opposing ends. Alternatively, the elastic strands may beattached at intervals to the first and/or second front belt layer 61, 62which are between their attachments at or adjacent their opposing ends.

Similar, the elastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands46 may not be attached to the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42in any other location apart from the location at or adjacent to theirtransversally opposing ends. Alternatively, the elastic strands may beattached at intervals to the first and/or second rear belt layer 41, 42which are between their attachments at or adjacent their opposing ends.

Attaching the elastic strands of the first and third plurality ofelastic strands 66 and 46 only at or adjacent their respective opposingends leads to elastic strands which are free to expand and contractwithout being constrained in their movement due to their attachment tothe first and second front belt layer 61 and 62, or to the first andsecond rear belt layer 41 and 42, respectively. This results in elasticstrands requiring lower force to expand compared to the same elasticstrands being attached to one or both belt layers substantially alongtheir complete length. Hence, such attachment can lead to improvedcomfort for the wearer, ease of application and transversal expansion ofthe belt during use to accommodate to changes of body shape (e.g. due tomovement of the wearer, or expansion of the belly).

Additionally attaching the elastic strands of the first plurality ofelastic strands 66 to the first and/or second front belt layer 61, 62 atintervals between their attachments at or adjacent their opposing endscan be done to adjust and control the force needed to elongate theelastic strands. The intervals should be large enough to provide arelatively high degree of freedom for the elastic strands inunconstrained expansion. Thus, the intervals between neighboringattachments of the elastic strands of the first plurality of elasticstrands to the first and/or second front belt layer may be at least 20%,or at least 30%, or at least 40% of the overall length of the elasticstrand, when the elastic strand is in its relaxed, contracted state.

In the same manner, additionally attaching the elastic strands of thethird plurality of elastic strands 46 to the first and/or second rearbelt layer 41, 42 at intervals between their attachments at or adjacenttheir opposing ends can be done to adjust and control the force neededto elongate the elastic strands. The intervals should be large enough toprovide a relatively high degree of freedom for the elastic strands toexpand without constrains. Thus, the intervals between neighboringattachments of the elastic strands of the third plurality of elasticstrands to the first and/or second rear belt layer may be at least 20%,or at least 30%, or at least 40% of the overall length of the elasticstrand, when the elastic strand is in its relaxed, contracted state.

If elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66 areprovided next to each other, i.e. with no elastic strands of the secondplurality of elastic strands 68 in between, the first and second frontbelt layers 61 and 62 may be joined to each other between neighboringpairs of elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66(not shown in the Figures).

If elastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands 46 areprovided next to each other, i.e. with no elastic strands of the fourthplurality of elastic strands 48 in between, the first and second rearbelt layers 41 and 42 may also be joined to each other betweenneighboring pairs of elastic strands of the third plurality of elasticstrands 46 (not shown in the Figures).

Due to the attachment to the first and/or second front belt layer 61,62, and/or to the first and/or second rear belt layer 41, 42,respectively, between neighboring pairs of elastic strands, the elasticstrands can be substantially held in their position relative to thelongitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20, i.e. they can onlymove to a limited extent in the longitudinal dimension of the absorbentarticle, without a need to attach the elastic strands to one or bothbelt layer across all their length extending in the transversedirection. The attachment to the first and/or second front belt layer,and/or to the first and/or second rear belt layer between neighboringpairs of elastic strands also supports the overall integrity of thebelt, avoiding that the first and second layer are separated from eachother in the areas where the first and third plurality of elasticstrands are provided, which may lead to undesirable shifting of thelayers relative to each other. Thereby, fit is comfort can be maintainedduring use of the absorbent article.

The elastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68 areattached to one or both of the first and second front belt layers 61 and62 along substantially the complete length of the elastic strands intransverse direction of the absorbent article 20. The term“substantially the complete length” includes attachment along thecomplete length but also includes attachment with unsubstantial gapswhere the elastic stands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68remain unattached to the first and second front belt layer 61 and 62.Such unsubstantial gaps are gaps of less than 5%, or less than 3%, orless than 2% of the overall length of the elastic strand, when theelastic strand is in its relaxed, contracted state.

The elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands 48 areattached to one or both of the first and second rear belt layers 41 and42 along substantially the complete length of the elastic strands intransverse direction of the absorbent article 20. The term“substantially the complete length” includes attachment along thecomplete length but also includes attachment with unsubstantial gapswhere the elastic stands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands 48remain unattached to the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42.Such unsubstantial gaps are gaps are less than 5%, or less than 3%, orless than 2% of the overall length of the elastic strand, when theelastic strand is in its relaxed, contracted state.

Allowing for such unsubstantial gaps, allows for minor processvariations when attaching the elastic strands to one or both of therespective belt layers.

The elastic strands within each of the first, second, third, and fourthpluralities of elastic strands may be spaced apart from their respectiveneighboring elastic strand in the longitudinal direction of theabsorbent article by a gap 90 of from 2 to 15 mm, or from 2 to 10 mm, orfrom 3 to 10 mm, or from 4 to 10 mm (these values relate to the gap 90between neighboring elastic strands). The gap 90 between neighboringelastic strands in the longitudinal absorbent article direction may bethe same in each of the first, second, third, and fourth pluralities ofelastic strands. Alternatively, one or more plurality of elastic strandsmay have elastics which have a greater gap between neighboring elasticstrands than the elastic strands of one or more other plurality ofelastic strands.

Some of the elastic strands of the front belt and/or the back belt maybe arranged in sets of elastic strands which have a smaller gap 90compared to the other elastic strands in the front and/or back belt 60,40, thereby forming concentrated arrays of elastic strands 95. Aconcentrated array 95 may comprise 2 to 4 elastic strands, or 3 to 4elastic strands. Such concentrated arrays 95 are preferably formed byelastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68 and/or ofthe fourth plurality of elastic strands 48. The gap 90 between elasticstrands in concentrated arrays 95 may be from 2-4 mm, whereas the gap 90between the other elastic strands may be larger than 4 mm but may not bemore than 12 mm, such as from 5 to 10 mm, or from 6 to 10 mm.

Without being bound by theory, by disposing the elastic strands in suchclose proximity to each other, the concentrated array 95 exhibits abehavior as if it was one elastic strand with a certain width, andprovides various benefits. For example, the concentrated array 95provides more or less the combined tensile force of the elastic strandsin the array, such that each elastic strand may be disposed at a muchlower tensile force. Further, the gathers 130 created between the gaps90 between the elastic strands of the concentrated array 95 are so finethat the area of the first front and/or back belt layer facing thewearer is significantly increased. Such increased area of material,combined with the elastic strands of the concentrated array, apply atensile force to the wearer over a distributed width, compared to thewidth of a single elastic strand. Namely, the concentrated arrayexhibits a behavior as if it were one elastic body. As such, theconcentrated array may provide a good fit to the wearer by usingrelatively low density elastic strands which are economically supplied.The reduction of tensile force in a concentrated area compared to thatof a single elastic strand may also reduce red marking on the skin ofthe wearer, and provide the wearer with a more comfortable and soft fit.Further, a concentrated array may provide the appearance of an elasticbody of a certain width, similar to elastic bodies disposed on a durableundergarment. Thus, provision of a concentrated array may connote anundergarment look, or high quality.

A concentrated array may provide more or less the combined tensile forceof the elastic strands in the concentrated array, such that each elasticstrand may be disposed at a relatively lower tensile force. The elasticstrands for forming a concentrated array may have a density of no morethan 1100 dtex, or no more than 940 dtex, and disposed at an elongationof from 150% to 300%.

Concentrated arrays 95 may be provided in zones for which higher tensilestress is desired. The provision of at least two concentrated arrays 95may be particularly effective. At least two concentrated arrays 95 maybe provided in the central front belt zone 64. At least two concentratedarrays may be provided in the central back belt zone 44. The tensilestress of the central front belt zone may be provided higher than thetensile stress of any other zone.

For neighboring elastic strands of the first plurality of elasticstrands 66 (with no elastic strands of the second plurality of elasticstrands 68 in between), the first front belt layer 61 may be attached tothe second front belt layer 62 between neighboring pairs of elasticstrands, which is desirably done by adhesive. Similarly, for neighboringelastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands 46, the firstrear belt layer 41 may be attached to the second rear belt layer 42between neighboring pairs of elastic strands, which is desirably done byadhesive. Compared to ultrasonic bonding, adhesive bonding can becontrolled better. Ultrasonic bonding tends to generate too much heatwhich irradiates to the area immediately surrounding the ultrasonicbond. This may negatively impact the elastic properties of the elasticstrands or may otherwise damage the elastic strands, especially forrelatively narrow gaps between neighboring elastic strands, such asspacing below 10 mm, or even below 6 mm.

Also, bonding of the first front belt layer 61 to the second front beltlayer 62 and of the first rear belt layer 41 to the second rear beltlayer 42 between neighboring pairs of elastic strands of the first and,respectively, third plurality of elastic strands 66 and 46 may becontinuous, i.e. not intermittent.

The elastic strands of the first and second pluralities of elasticstrands 66 and 68 may be disposed between the first and second frontbelt layers 61 and 62 while the elastic strands 200 are in an expanded,stretched state. After having been joined to the first and/or secondfront belt layer 61, 62, the elastic strands are allowed to contract,thus forming corrugations 130 in the first and second front belt layer61 and 62. The same applies to the rear belt 40: The elastic strands ofthe third and fourth pluralities of elastic strands 46 and 48 may bedisposed between the first and second rear belt layers 41 and 42 whilethe elastic strands 200 are in an expanded, stretched state. Afterhaving been joined to the first and/or second rear belt layer 41, 42,the elastic strands are allowed to contract, thus forming corrugations130 in the first and second rear belt layer 41 and 42.

By having a continuous adhesive attachment of the first front belt layer61 to the second front belt layer 62 and continuous attachment of thefirst rear belt layer 41 to the second rear belt layer 42, betweenneighboring elastic strands of the first and third pluralities ofelastic strands 66 and 46, the corrugations 130 of the first and secondfront belt layer 61 and 62 and of the first and second rear belt layer41 and 42 obtained by contraction of the elastic strands 200 is morehomogeneous and uniform. This facilitates a smoother and more uniformappearance of the belt, which provides for more uniform elongationbehavior of the belt in the transverse direction and which is generallyperceived as being more garment-like.

The front belt 60 has a first and a second longitudinal front belt sideedge 86, 87 and the rear belt has a first and a second rear longitudinalbelt side edge 55, 56. The longitudinal belt side edges 86, 87, 55 and56 of the front and rear belt 60 and 40 may be substantially parallel tothe longitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article 20.

The front belt 60 also has a first and a second transverse front beltend edge 67 and 70 and the rear belt 40 has a first and a second rearbelt end edge 47 and 50. The first transverse front belt end edge 67 ofthe front belt 60 may form the front waist edge 31 of the absorbentarticle 20. The first transverse rear belt end edge 47 of the rear belt40 may form the rear waist edge 32 of the absorbent article 20.

The first transverse front belt end edge 67 of the front belt 60 may besubstantially straight. The second transverse front belt end edge 70 ofthe front belt 60 may be substantially straight or may be curved.

Likewise, the first transverse rear belt end edge 47 of the rear belt 40may be substantially straight. The second transverse rear belt end edge50 of the rear belt 40 may be substantially straight or may be curved.

For example, those portions of the second transverse front belt end edge70 and those portions of the second transverse rear belt end edge 50,which contribute to the formation of the leg openings of the absorbentarticle 20, may have an arcuate shape such that the front belt 60 hasits smallest longitudinal dimension (parallel to the longitudinalcenterline 100 of the absorbent article) at the first and secondlongitudinal front belt side edges 86 and 87, and such that the rearbelt 40 has its smallest longitudinal dimension (parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article) at the first andsecond longitudinal rear belt side edges 55, 56. Those portions of thesecond transverse front belt end edge 70 and of the second transverserear belt end edge 50 which overlap the absorbent core may be straight.

The shape of the front and rear belt 60, 40 is determined when therespective belt is stretched out such that the first and second frontbelt layers—or the first and second rear belt layers, respectively—areflat, i.e. have no more folds or corrugations, and the elastic strandsare in a stretched condition.

The first longitudinal front belt side edge 86 may be attached to thefirst longitudinal rear belt side edge 55 to form a first side seam 57.The second longitudinal front belt side edge 87 may be attached to thesecond longitudinal rear belt side edge 56 to form a second side seam58. The first and second side seam 57 and 58 may be permanent.

The elastic strands of the first, second, third and fourth pluralitiesof elastic strands may be the same or the elastic strands of the first,second, third and fourth pluralities of elastic strands differ from eachother. For example, the elastic strands of the first and third pluralityof elastic strands may be the same but may differ from the elasticstrands of the second and fourth plurality of elastic strands.Alternatively, the elastic strands of the first and second plurality ofelastic strands may be the same but may differ from the elastic strandsof the third and fourth plurality of elastic strands.

Alternatively or in addition to providing the same or different elasticstrands, the elastic strands of the first, second, third and fourthpluralities of elastic strands may be applied to the absorbent articlein the same way or may be applied differently from each other. Forexample, the elastic strands of the first and third plurality of elasticstrands may be applied in a different manner than the elastic strands ofthe second and fourth plurality of elastic strands. Alternatively, theelastic strands of the first and second plurality of elastic strands maybe applied in a different manner than the elastic strands of the thirdand fourth plurality of elastic strands (i.e. different in another,additional manner to the elastics of the first and third plurality ofelastic strands being attached to the respective layer(s) at or adjacentto their transversally opposing ends and the elastics of the second andfourth plurality of elastic strands being attached along substantiallytheir complete length to the respective belt layer(s)).

For example, the elastic strands of the first and third plurality ofelastic strands may differ from the elastic strands of the second andfourth plurality of elastic strands in any of a) strain of the elasticstrands, b) distance between neighboring elastic strands, c) number ofelastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands, d) denier ofthe elastic strands or e) a combination of two or more of a) to d).

In another example, the elastic strands of the first and secondplurality of elastic strands may differ from the elastic strands of thethird and fourth plurality of elastic strands in any of a) strain of theelastic strands, b) distance between neighboring elastic strands, c)number of elastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands, d)denier of the elastic strands or e) a combination of two or more of a)to d).

That way, the properties in the central zones and the first and secondperipheral zones can be adapted further. For example, the first andsecond peripheral front belt zone 63 and 65 may have lower straincompared to the central front belt zone 64 and/or the first and secondperipheral rear belt zone 43 and 45 may have a lower strain compared tothe central rear belt zone 44. Thereby, the central front and rear beltzones 64 and 44 can be further configured to fit more tightly on thewearer while the first and second peripheral front and rear belt zones63, 65, 43 and 45 can provide increased freedom of movement for thewearer and reduced red-marking on the skin.

The front belt 60 may have a central front belt zone 64, a firstperipheral front belt zone 63 longitudinally distal from the centralfront belt zone 64 towards the front waist edge 31 and a secondperipheral front belt zone 65 longitudinally proximate from the centralfront belt zone 64 towards the leg opening. The central front belt zone64 may have a first transverse peak extension force, the firstperipheral front belt zone 63 may have a second transverse peakextension force, and the second peripheral front belt zone 65 may have athird transverse peak extension force. The first transverse peakextension force may be greater than one or both of the second and thirdtransverse peak extension force, the first transverse peak extensionforce for example may be at least 25% higher, or at least 30% higher, orat least 40% higher, or at least 50% than one or both of the second andthird transverse peak extension forces.

The rear belt 40 may have a central rear belt zone 44, a firstperipheral rear belt zone 43 longitudinally distal from the central rearbelt zone 44 towards the rear waist edge 32 and a second peripheral rearbelt zone 45 longitudinally proximate from the central rear belt zone 44towards the leg opening. The central rear belt zone 44 may have a fourthtransverse peak extension force, the first peripheral rear belt zone 43may have a fifth transverse peak extension force, and the secondperipheral rear belt zone 45 may have a sixth transverse peak extensionforce. The fourth transverse peak extension force may be greater thanone or both of the fifth and sixth transverse peak extension force, thefourth transverse peak extension force for example may be at least 25%higher, or at least 30% higher, or at least 40% higher, or at least 50%than one or both of the fifth and sixth transverse peak extension force.

At the same time, it may be desirable to have a level of contraction inthe transverse direction in the central front belt zone 64 which doesnot vary more than 250%, or not more than 200%, or not more than 150%from the level of contraction in the transverse direction in the firstand second peripheral front belt zone 63 and 65. Likewise, it may bedesirable to have a level of contraction in the transverse direction inthe central rear belt zone 44 which does not vary more than 250%, or notmore than 200%, or not more than 150% from the level of contraction inthe transverse direction in the first and second peripheral rear beltzone 43 and 45.

The transverse peak extension forces and level of contraction in therespective zones can be adapted by providing the first and secondplurality of elastic strands and the third and fourth plurality ofelastic strands appropriately within the front and rear belt:

The central front belt zone 64 may have more elastic strands of thesecond plurality of elastic strands 68 than elastic strands of the firstplurality of elastic strands 66 and the central rear belt zone 44 mayhave more elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands 48than elastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands 46.

The first and/or second peripheral front belt zone 63, 65 may have moreelastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands 66 thanelastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68, and thefirst and/or second peripheral rear belt zone 43, 45 may have moreelastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands 46 thanelastic strands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands 48.

The central front belt zone 64 as well as the first and secondperipheral front belt zones 63 and 65 may comprise elastic strands ofthe first plurality of elastic strands 66 which alternate with elasticstrands of the second plurality of elastic strands 68.

Similarly, the central rear belt zone 44 and the first and secondperipheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 may comprise elastic strands of thethird plurality of elastic strands 46 which alternate with elasticstrands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands 48. In suchconfigurations, the elastic strands of the first and third pluralitiesof elastic strands 66 and 46 can be substantially held in their positionrelative to the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20, i.e.they can only move to a limited extent in the longitudinal dimension ofthe absorbent article also without attaching the first and second frontbelt layers, or, respectively, the first and second rear belt layers toeach other between neighboring elastic strands of the first and thirdpluralities of elastic strands. Instead, the elastic strands of thefirst and third plurality of elastic strands 66 and 46 are limited intheir movement along the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article20 by the neighboring elastic strands of the second and fourthpluralities of elastic strands 68 and 48.

When the front and rear belt 60 and 40 of the absorbent article 20 (e.g.a pant) are put in an overlapping configuration such that the front andrear waist edges 31 and 32 coincide, e.g. by laying the absorbentarticle on table, the central front belt zone 64 may completely or—morepreferably—only partly overlap with the central rear belt zone 44. Forexample, those portions of the central front belt zone 64, which aremore distal from the transverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article(i.e. more distal than the remaining portions of the central front beltzone) may overlap with those portions of the central rear belt zone 44,which are more proximal to the transverse centerline 110 of theabsorbent article (i.e. more proximal than the remaining portions of thecentral rear belt zone). From 10% to 80%, or from 20% to 60% of thecentral rear belt zone 44 may overlap with from 5% to 50%, or from 10%to 40% of the central front belt zone 64. An overlap of the centralfront belt zone 64 with the central rear belt zone 44 which is onlypartly may result in an absorbent article wherein the central front beltzone 64 extends further towards the transverse centerline 110 of theabsorbent article relative to the central rear belt zone 44. At the sametime, the central rear belt zone 44 may extend further towards the waistopening (i.e. towards the rear waist edge 32) relative to the centralfront belt zone 64.

As explained above and as shown in FIG. 7C, due to the anatomy of awearer, the primary line of tension is disposed at an angle, α, to thehorizontal on the body of the wearer (an angle to the transversedirection of the absorbent article). Hence, by having the central frontbelt zone 64 only partly overlap with the central rear belt zone 44, ananchoring system can be provided, which more suitably takes the anatomyof the wearer into account.

The boundaries between the central front belt zone 64 and the first andsecond peripheral front belt zones 63 and 65 may extend straight and inparallel to the transverse centerline 110 of the absorbent article 20.Likewise, the boundaries between the central rear belt zone 44 and thefirst and second peripheral rear belt zones 43 and 45 may extendstraight and in parallel to the transverse centerline 110 of theabsorbent article 20 (boundaries are determined when the front beltlayers are flattened out and the elastic strands are stretched).

Some of the elastic strands of the central front belt zone 64 may besevered across the transverse dimension of the absorbent article to formdiscontinuous elastic strands. Alternatively, all of the elastic strandsof the central front belt zone 64 may be severed across the transversedimension to form discontinuous elastic strands. Moreover, some or allof the elastic strands of the second peripheral front belt zone 65 mayalso be severed across the transverse dimension of the absorbent articleto form discontinuous elastic strands.

None of the elastic strands of the first peripheral front belt zone 63may be severed. Alternatively, it may also be desirable to sever someelastic strands of the first peripheral front belt zone 63 across thetransverse dimension of the absorbent article to form discontinuouselastic strands. However, the elastic strands of the first peripheralfront belt zone 63 which are most proximate to the front waist edge 31may not be severed to provide continuous elasticity around the waistopening.

If some of the elastic strands in the first peripheral front belt zone63 are severed and/or some or all of the elastic strands in the centralfront belt zone 64, and/or some or all of the elastic strands in thesecond peripheral front belt zone 65 are severed, each of thediscontinuous elastic strands is attached to one or both of the firstand second front belt layer 61 and 62 (only) at or adjacent to thetransversally opposed ends of the discontinuous elastic strand in thefirst and second front belt segment 84 and 85, respectively.

Severed elastic strands in the front belt 60 form discontinuous elasticstrands with the first front belt segment 84 disposed in a regiontowards the first longitudinal front belt side edge 86 and the secondfront belt segment 85 disposed in a region towards the secondlongitudinal front belt side edge 87, such that a region between thefirst and second front belt segments 86 and 87, which overlaps theabsorbent core of the central chassis 22 may be free of elastic strands.If only some of the elastic strands of the front belt 60 are severed,these will be neighboring elastic strands which are providedlongitudinally proximal to the leg openings, while those neighboringelastic strands which are provided longitudinally distal towards thefront waist edge 31 remain non-severed. This way, a continuous first anda continuous second front belt segment 84 and 85 is formed instead ofseveral first and second front belt segments which are interrupted byelastic strands extending continuously across the complete transversedirection of the front belt.

Similarly, in the rear belt 40, some of the elastic strands of thecentral rear belt zone 44 may be severed across the transverse dimensionof the absorbent article to form discontinuous elastic strands.Alternatively, all of the elastic strands of the central rear belt zone44 may be severed across the transverse dimension to form discontinuouselastic strands. Moreover, some or all of the elastic strands of thesecond peripheral rear belt zone 45 may also be severed across thetransverse dimension of the absorbent article to form discontinuouselastic strands.

None of the elastic strands of the first peripheral rear belt zone 43may be severed. Alternatively, it may also be desirable to sever someelastic strands of the first peripheral rear belt zone 43 across thetransverse dimension of the absorbent article to form discontinuouselastic strands. However, the elastic strands of the first peripheralrear belt zone 43 which are most proximate to the rear waist edge 32 maynot be severed to provide continuous elasticity around the waistopening.

If some of the elastic strands in the first peripheral rear belt zoneare severed and/or some or all of the elastic strands in the centralrear belt zone, and/or some or all of the elastic strands in the secondperipheral rear belt zone are severed, each of the discontinuous elasticstrands is attached to one or both of the first and second rear beltlayer (only) at or adjacent to the transversally opposed ends of thediscontinuous elastic strand in the first and second rear belt segment,respectively.

Severed elastic strands in the rear belt 40 form discontinuous elasticstrands with the first rear belt segment 79 disposed in a region towardsthe first longitudinal rear belt side edge 55 and the second rear beltsegment 80 disposed in a region towards the second longitudinal rearbelt side edge 56, such that a region between the first and second rearbelt segments 79 and 80, which overlaps the absorbent core of thecentral chassis 22 may be free of elastic strands. If only some of theelastic strands of the rear belt 40 are severed, these will beneighboring elastic strands which are provided longitudinally proximalto the leg openings, while those neighboring elastic strands which areprovided longitudinally distal towards the rear waist edge 32 remainnon-severed. This way, a continuous first and a continuous second rearbelt segment 79 and 80 is formed instead of several first and secondrear belt segments which are interrupted by elastic strands extendingcontinuously across the complete transverse direction of the rear belt.

The number of non-severed elastic strands extending substantially acrossthe complete transverse dimension in the front belt 60 may be lower thanthe number elastic strands in the front belt 60 which were severed.

The number of non-severed elastic strands extending substantially acrossthe complete transverse dimension in the rear belt 40 may be higher thanthe number elastic strands in the rear belt 40 which were severed.

If the absorbent article comprises first and second side seams 57 and58, such as permanent side seams, the elastic strands of the front andrear belt may or may not be comprised in the side seams. If the elasticstrands are not comprised in the side seams, the elastic strands mayhave their opposing ends (across transverse dimension of the article)immediately adjacent to the first and second side seams. The front andrear belt may be discontinuous with one another in the crotch region.Thus, neither the front belt nor the rear belt may cover the entirety ofthe body-facing surface and neither the front belt nor the rear belt maycover the entirety of the garment-facing surface of the absorbentarticle.

Fastening System

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 140. Whenfastened, the fastening system 50 interconnects the front waist region36 and the rear waist region 38 resulting in a waist circumference thatprovides a waist opening encircling the wearer during wear of theabsorbent article 20. This may be accomplished by the rear belt 40 inthe back waist region 38 interconnecting with the center chassis 22 inthe front waist region 36 (if the absorbent article does not comprise asecond belt), or by the rear belt 40 interconnecting with the front belt60 in the front waist region 36. The fastening system may be provided ina diaper with no permanent first and second side seam 57, 58.Alternatively, the fastening system may be provided in a pant inaddition to first and second permanent side seam 57, 58, to facilitatefurther adjustment of the waist opening and/or to enable refastening thepant if one or both of the side seams have been torn open, e.g. when thepant is inspected for potential soiling.

The fastening system 140 may comprises a fastener such as hook and loopfastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots,buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fastening components,although any other known fastening means are generally acceptable. Someexemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. The fastening system 140 may also provide ameans for holding the article in a disposal configuration as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. The fastening system 140 may also includeprimary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,699,622. The fastening system 140 may be constructed to reduceshifting of overlapped portions or to improve fit as disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; and 5,591,152. The fasteningtabs may be attached to the first and second longitudinal rear belt sideedges 55, 56. They may be configured to extend transversally outwardbeyond the first and second longitudinal rear belt side edges 55, 56.The engaging material of the fastening tabs (e.g. hooks, adhesive etc.)may be provided on the portion of the fastening tab which extendstransversally outward beyond the first and second longitudinal rear beltside edges 55, 56. The fastening tabs may be folded prior to use of theabsorbent article to keep the engaging material from engaging anunintended portion of the absorbent article (e.g. during manufacturingof the absorbent article, or when taking the absorbent article out of apackage prior to application on a wearer). When folded, the engagingmaterial may contact a non-engagement surface comprised by the rear beltadjacent to its first and second longitudinal rear belt side edges 55,56, such as a film, a polymer layer, or a non-tacky adhesive layer. Whentaken out of the package, the fastener tabs may be unfolded and engagedwith a landing zone, such as a patch of loop material (often on thefront waist region of the center chassis or on the front belt).

Packages

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed intopackages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or othermaterials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of theabsorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/orplaced on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise aplurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packedunder compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while stillproviding an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. Bypackaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers caneasily handle and store the packages, while also providing distributionsavings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 100 mm,less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm,less than about 85 mm, but greater than about 75 mm, less than about 80mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, or less than about 74mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specifiedranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby, according to the In-BagStack Height Test described herein. Alternatively, packages of theabsorbent articles of the present disclosure may have an In-Bag StackHeight of from about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95mm, from about 72 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, orfrom about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mmincrements within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein orthereby, according to the In-Back Stack Height Test described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example package 1000 comprising a plurality ofabsorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002in which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are situated. Theplurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks1006.

Test Methods

Transverse Peak Extension Force

Test Equipment/Environment

A suitable tensile tester such as an MTS Alliance with MTS Testworksversion 4.0 or equivalent instrument is used. The tester is equippedwith flat clamps that are capable of holding at least the entire widthof the sample should be used. The instrument is calibrated according tothe manufacturer's specification. Testing is performed at 23° C.±2° C.and 50%±2% relative humidity.

Sample Preparation

If the absorbent article is a pant with permanent side seams betweenfirst and second belt, the side seams of the article are broken toseparate the belts. The zones (as described in the Detailed Descriptionof the Invention) are cut out from the respective belt (including centerchassis components, if overlapping with the respective belt zone) to bemeasured. Each separated zone of the respective belt will be referred toas a “test sample” herein. All material layers, including the centerchassis components if present, should be kept with the test sample. Allcut lines are straight, parallel to the transverse direction of theabsorbent article. Each test sample needs to have at least oneelastomeric material. The widths (a dimension in the longitudinaldirection of the absorbent article) of the respective zones aremeasured.

The length of the test sample is determined. The length of the testsample is determined. The length corresponds to the direction whichcorresponds to the transverse direction of the absorbent article andmeasures a distance from one end to the other end of a test sample in afully stretched condition. The fully stretched condition is thecondition where the test sample is stretched by the force of 0.1 N/mmmultiplied by the width of the test sample. If one or both ends of atest sample are not parallel to the longitudinal direction, the shortestlength within the test sample is considered as the length of the testsample.

An adjusted test sample length is defined as the length of a test sampleminus the combined length of any material in the upper and lower clamps.Thus, if a test sample is mounted in the clamp so that 10 mm at each endis held in the clamps, then the adjusted belt length is the measuredbelt length minus 20 mm.

The test samples are kept unstretched at least for 10 min before thetest.

Test

For each test sample, the initial gauge length of the tensile tester isset to allow the test sample to be mounted in a relaxed state. The loadcell is zeroed to offset the sample weight.

The test sample is stretched in the direction which corresponds to thetransverse direction of the absorbent article at a rate of 254 mm/min,and a load (N) is measured within 5 sec after the test sample reaches at65% of the adjusted test sample length. The transverse peak extensionforce is calculated for each of the force zones according to anequation:A transverse peak extension force (N/mm) of a test sample=Measured value(N)/width of the force zone (mm)

Level of Contraction

a) Whole Article Force Measurement

Force is measured using an Electronic Tensile Tester with a computerinterface such as the MTS Criterion C42 running TestWorks 4 Software(available from MTS SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD) or equivalent instrument.A load cell is selected so that force results for the samples testedwill be between 10 and 90% of capacity of the load cell used. Theinstrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions.All testing is performed in a room maintained at 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2%relative humidity.

The tensile tester is fitted with hanger-type sample holding fixtures300 as shown in FIG. 9 . Each fixture comprises a rigid linearrubber-coated horizontal bar section 302 to prevent sample slippageduring testing. The outer bar diameter (including the rubber coating) ofthe horizontal bar sections is 10.0 mm. The central axes of thehorizontal bar sections 302 are configured to remain parallel and in thesame vertical plane throughout the test procedure. The gaugecircumference is determined by the following equation:Gauge Circumference=2×(H+D+πD/2)

where H is the vertical gap between the horizontal bar sections 302, andD is the outer diameter of the bar.

The instrument is set up to go through the following steps:

Crosshead Speed 254.0 mm/min Final Load Point 19.61 N Hold Time 0 Numberof Cycles 1 Data Acquistion Rate 50 Hz

A sample article 20 is inserted onto the upper horizontal bar section302 so that the bar passes through the waist opening and one leg openingof the article. The crosshead is raised until the specimen hangs abovethe lower bar and does not touch lower bar 302. The load cell is taredand crosshead is lowered to enable the lower bar 302 to be insertedthrough the waist opening and other leg opening without stretching thearticle. The article is adjusted so that the longitudinal centerline 100of the article is in a horizontal plane halfway between the upper andlower bars 302. The center of the side portion in contact with the bar302 is situated on the same vertical axis as the instrument load cell.The crosshead is raised slowly while the article is held in place byhand as necessary until the force is between 0.05 and 0.1N, while takingcare not to add any unnecessary force. The gauge circumference at thispoint is the Initial Gauge Circumference. The test is initiated andcrosshead moves up at 254 mm/min until a force of 19.6N is attained,then the crosshead immediately returns to the initial gaugecircumference at the same speed. The maximum circumference at 19.6N andforce at 70% stretch circumference during the extension segment of thetest are recorded.Circumference (mm)=2×(H+D+πD/2)

The maximum circumference at 19.6N is defined as the Full StretchCircumference (mm). The 70% stretch circumference is defined as the fullstretch circumference×0.7. The Waist Circumference Force is defined asthe force at 70% stretch circumference during the load (extension)segment of the test.

Five samples are analyzed and their average Initial Gauge Circumference,average Full Stretch Circumference and average Waist Circumference Forceare calculated and reported to the nearest 1 mm, 1 mm and 0.01 N,respectively.

b) Measurement of Zone Transverse Dimension

After the sample has been subjected to the Whole Article ForceMeasurement Test, the sample is prepared and treated as follows:

Test Equipment/Environment

A suitable tensile tester such as an MTS Alliance with MTS Testworksversion 4.0 or equivalent instrument is used. The tester is equippedwith flat clamps that are capable of holding at least the entire widthof the sample should be used. The instrument is calibrated according tothe manufacturer's specification. Testing is performed at 23° C.±2° C.and 50%±2% relative humidity.

Sample Preparation

If the absorbent article is a pant with permanent side seams betweenfirst and second belt, the side seams of the article are broken toseparate the belts. The respective zones (as described in the DetailedDescription of the Invention) are cut out from the respective belt(including center chassis components, if overlapping with the respectivebelt zone) to be measured. All material layers, including the centerchassis components if present, should be kept with the test sample (i.e.with the cut out zone). All cut lines are straight, parallel to thetransverse direction of the absorbent article. Each test sample needs tohave at least one elastomeric material. The widths (a dimension in thelongitudinal direction of the absorbent article) of the respective zonesare measured.

The length of the test sample is determined. The length measures in thetransverse direction of the absorbent article a distance from one end tothe other end of a test sample in a fully stretched condition. The fullystretched condition is the condition where the test sample is stretchedby the force of 0.1 N/mm multiplied by the width of the test sample. Ifone or both ends of a test sample are not parallel to the longitudinaldirection, the shortest length within the test sample is considered asthe length of the test sample.

An adjusted test sample length is defined as the length of a test sampleminus the combined length of any material in the upper and lower clamps.Thus, if a test sample is mounted in the clamp so that 10 mm at each endis held in the clamps, then the adjusted belt length is the measuredbelt length minus 20 mm.

For each test sample, the initial gauge length of the tensile tester isset to allow the test sample to be mounted in a relaxed state. The loadcell is zeroed to offset the sample weight.

The test sample is stretched in the transverse direction of theabsorbent article by applying a force of 0.5 N is applied to the testsample in the direction which corresponds to the transverse direction ofthe absorbent article. The length of the test sample (corresponding tothe transverse dimension of the respective zone in the absorbentarticle) is measured, taking into account the 20 mm comprised betweenthe clamps of the tensile tester.

The level of contraction is then calculated as follows:(Length of the test sample of the respective zone @ 0.5 N×100)/(½ ofmaximum circumference at 19.6N^(*)))^(*)) maximum circumference taken from Whole Article Force Measurment

In-Bag Stack Height Test

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determinedas follows:

Equipment

A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal sliding plate is used.The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding platemoves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal sliding platealways maintained in a horizontal orientation directly above a flat,rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a suitabledevice for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate andthe horizontal base plate to within ±0.5 mm. The horizontal slidingplate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of theabsorbent article package that contacts each plate, i.e. each plateextends past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in alldirections. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of850±1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package, which may beachieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of thenon-package-contacting top surface of the horizontal sliding plate sothat the total mass of the sliding plate plus added weight is 850±1grams.

Test Procedure

Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at 23±2° C. and 50±5%relative humidity prior to measurement.

The horizontal sliding plate is raised and an absorbent article packageis placed centrally under the horizontal sliding plate in such a waythat the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontalorientation (see FIG. 8 ). Any handle or other packaging feature on thesurfaces of the package that would contact either of the plates isfolded flat against the surface of the package so as to minimize theirimpact on the measurement. The horizontal sliding plate is loweredslowly until it contacts the top surface of the package and thenreleased. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to within±0.5 mm ten seconds after releasing the horizontal sliding plate. Fiveidentical packages (same size packages and same absorbent articlescounts) are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the packagewidth. The “In-Bag Stack Height”=(package width/absorbent article countper stack)×10 is calculated and reported to within ±0.5 mm.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present disclosure. To the extent that anydefinition or meaning of a term in this written document conflicts withany definition or meaning of the term in a document incorporated byreference, the definition or meaning assigned to the term in thisdocument shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It should beapparent that combinations of such embodiments and features are possibleand can result in executions within the scope of this disclosure. It istherefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article comprising: a longitudinaland transverse dimension; a front waist region comprising a front waistedge; a rear waist region comprising a rear waist edge; a crotch regionextending between the front and rear waist region; a center chassiscomprising a first transverse chassis end edge, a second transversechassis end edge, a first longitudinal chassis side edge and a secondlongitudinal chassis side edge, a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquidimpermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between thetopsheet and the backsheet; a front belt comprising a first front beltlayer disposed on an interior surface of the front belt, a second frontbelt layer disposed on an exterior surface of the front belt, andelastic strands substantially extending along the transverse directiondisposed between the first and second front belt layer; wherein theelastic strands of the front belt comprise a first plurality of elasticstrands attached to one or both of the first and second front beltlayers at or adjacent the transversally opposing ends of the firstplurality of elastic strands; wherein the elastic strands of the frontbelt further comprise a second plurality of elastic strands attached toone or both of the first and second front belt layers alongsubstantially the complete length of the elastic strands; a rear beltcomprising a first rear belt layer disposed on an interior surface ofthe rear belt, a second rear belt layer disposed on an exterior surfaceof the rear belt, and elastic strands substantially extending along thetransverse direction disposed between the first and second rear beltlayers; wherein the elastic strands of the rear belt comprise a thirdplurality of elastic strands stands that are attached to one or both ofthe first and second rear belt layers at or adjacent the transversallyopposing ends of the third plurality of elastic strands; and wherein theelastic strands of the rear belt further comprise a fourth plurality ofelastic strands that are attached to one or both of the first and secondrear belt layers along substantially the complete length of the elasticstrands wherein the front belt has a central front belt zone, a firstperipheral front belt zone longitudinally distal from the central frontbelt zone towards the front waist edge, and a second peripheral frontbelt zone longitudinally proximal from the central front belt zonetowards the leg opening, the central front belt zone having a firsttransverse peak extension force, the first peripheral front belt zonehaving a second transverse peak extension force, and the secondperipheral front belt zone having a third transverse peak extensionforce, wherein the first transverse peak extension force is greater thanone or both of the second and third transverse peak extension force,wherein the rear belt has a central rear belt zone, a first peripheralrear belt zone longitudinally distal from the central rear belt zonetowards the rear waist edge and a second peripheral rear belt zonelongitudinally proximal from the central rear belt zone towards the legopening, the central rear belt zone having a fourth transverse peakextension force, the first peripheral rear belt zone having a fifthtransverse peak extension force, and the second peripheral rear beltzone having a sixth transverse peak extension force, wherein the fourthtransverse peak extension force is greater than one or both of the fifthand sixth transverse peak extension force, wherein the central frontbelt zone is provided at a second distance (L2) longitudinally offsetfrom the front waist edge, and the central rear belt zone is provided ata first distance (L1) longitudinally offset from the rear waist edge,wherein the second distance (L2) is greater than the first distance(L1); wherein the elastic strands of the second peripheral front beltzone, and some or all of the elastic strands of the central front beltzone are severed to form discontinuous elastic strands with a firstfront belt segment disposed in a region towards the first longitudinalfront belt side edge and a second front belt segment disposed in aregion towards the second longitudinal front belt side edge, such that aregion of the front belt between the first and second front beltsegments, which overlaps the absorbent core of the central chassis, isfree of elastic strands, and wherein at least the elastic strands ofsecond peripheral rear belt zone are severed to form discontinuouselastic strands with a first rear belt segment disposed in a regiontowards the first longitudinal rear belt side edge and a second rearbelt segment disposed in a region towards the second longitudinal rearbelt side edge, such that a region of the rear belt between the firstand second rear belt segments, which overlaps the absorbent core of thecentral chassis is free of elastic strands; and wherein, when theabsorbent article is laid down to have the front and rear beltoverlapping with each other and the front and rear waist edgescoinciding, the central front belt zone and the central rear belt zoneonly partly overlap.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thefront belt comprises first and second longitudinal front belt sideedges, and the rear belt comprises first and second longitudinal rearbelt side edges, wherein the first longitudinal front belt side edge isjoined to the first longitudinal rear belt side edge to form a firstside seam, and the second longitudinal front belt side edge is joined tothe second longitudinal rear belt side edge to form a second side seam,such that the absorbent article comprises a waist opening formed jointlyby the front and rear waist edges, and a pair of leg openings.
 3. Theabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first transverse peakextension force is at least 25% greater than one or both of the secondand third transverse peak extension force, and wherein the fourthtransverse peak extension force is at least 25% greater than one or bothof the fifth and sixth transverse peak extension force.
 4. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein some or all of the elastic strands of thefirst peripheral front belt zone extend across the complete transversedimension of the front belt from the first longitudinal front belt sideedge to the second longitudinal front belt side edge, and wherein someor all of the elastic strands of the first peripheral rear belt zoneextend across the complete transverse dimension of the rear belt fromthe first longitudinal rear belt side edge to the second longitudinalrear belt side edge.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thenumber of non-severed elastic strands extending substantially across thecomplete transverse dimension in the front belt is lower than the numberelastic strands in the front belt which are severed.
 6. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the number of non-severed elastic strandsextending substantially across the complete transverse dimension in therear belt is higher than the number elastic strands which are severed.7. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the first transversechassis end edge is longitudinally offset from the rear waist edge ofthe absorbent article and/or the second transverse chassis end edge islongitudinally offset from the front waist edge of the absorbentarticle.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein, in the frontbelt, the first front belt layer and second front belt layer areadhesively joined to each other between neighboring pairs of elasticstrands of the first plurality of elastic strands, and wherein, in therear belt, the first rear belt layer and second rear belt layer areadhesively joined to each other between neighboring pairs of elasticstrands of the third plurality of elastic strands.
 9. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein some of the elastic strands of the frontbelt and/or the back belt are arranged in one or more sets as one ormore concentrated arrays, wherein each concentrated array consists oftwo to four elastic strands, and wherein the elastic strands in theconcentrated array are longitudinally spaced apart from each other by agap of 2 to 4 mm, and wherein the elastic strands in the front and/orback belt outside the concentrated arrays are longitudinally spacedapart from the concentrated arrays and from each other by a gap of from5 to 10 mm.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the elasticstrands of the second plurality of elastic strands are continuouslyattached to one or both of the first and second front belt layersubstantially along the complete length of the elastic strands byadhesive, and the elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elasticstrands are continuously attached to one or both of the first and secondrear belt layer substantially along the complete length of the elasticstrands by adhesive.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theelastic strands of the second plurality of elastic strands differ fromthe elastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands in one ormore properties selected from the group consisting of: strain of theelastic strands, distance between neighboring elastic strands, number ofelastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands denier of theelastic strands.
 12. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theelastic strands of the third plurality of elastic strands differ fromthe elastic strands of the fourth plurality of elastic strands in one ormore properties selected from the group consisting of: strain of theelastic strands, distance between neighboring elastic strands, number ofelastic strands forming the plurality of elastic strands and denier ofthe elastic strands.
 13. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein theelastic strands of the first plurality of elastic strands have a lowerextension force than the elastic strands of the second plurality ofelastic strands and the elastic strands of the third plurality ofelastic strands have a lower extension force than the elastic strands ofthe fourth plurality of elastic strands.